Adjustable Fertilizer Application Implement with Swing Arm Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizer application systems face challenges in achieving precise fertilizer placement due to statically mounted furrow forming discs that cannot be adjusted during operation, leading to varied depths and poor plant health in non-uniform soil conditions.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement with a pivotally connected swing arm and adjustable actuator allows for real-time adjustment of disc depth, enabling precise fertilizer placement beneath the soil surface, facilitated by remotely operable pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators, and offset, angled discs that form grooves for fertilizer deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If statically mounted furrow forming discs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the fertilizer placement depth precision deteriorates under varying soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static furrow forming discs with adjustable discs that can change their penetration depth during operation. The swing arm mechanism with actuator allows the discs to dynamically adapt to varying soil conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that maintains precise fertilizer placement depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling adjustment of the disc penetration depth parameter. The actuator mechanism modifies the positional parameter of the discs relative to the ground surface, allowing the system to adapt to different soil conditions and maintain optimal fertilizer placement depth precision without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed depth discs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying soil conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm mechanism with actuator provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the system to adapt to varying soil conditions during operation. This dynamic capability enhances adaptability while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple through the use of a single actuator controlling multiple disc positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the penetration depth of the furrow forming discs, compensates for variations in ground surface elevation, and adapts to different soil conditions. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one actuator performs multiple adjustment tasks.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable actuators are added for real-time depth control, then the fertilizer placement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm with actuator creates a dynamic adjustment system that improves fertilizer placement precision by enabling real-time depth control. The mechanical advantage of the swing arm mechanism amplifies the actuator's movement range, achieving precise depth control without requiring an overly complex actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the adjustment function by using the swing arm mechanism to decouple the actuator from direct disc control. This segmentation allows the actuator to control the swing arm position, which in turn adjusts multiple disc positions simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity compared to individually actuating each disc.
4Productivity
If discs cannot be adjusted during operation, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the crop yield quality deteriorates due to poor fertilizer placement
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable disc system with actuator enables the implement to self-adjust to varying soil conditions and ground surface elevations during operation. This self-service capability improves crop yield quality by maintaining precise fertilizer placement without requiring constant manual intervention, thus preserving ease of operation while enhancing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the disc penetration depth parameter in response to varying soil conditions and ground surface elevation. This automatic parameter adjustment improves fertilizer placement precision and crop yield quality while maintaining ease of operation, as the adjustment occurs without requiring operator intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate fertilizer placement across varying soil conditions, improving plant health and crop yields by ensuring consistent fertilizer depth and preventing salt damage and ammonia toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
remotely operable pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators
Implementation Method 2
remotely operable pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators
Implementation Method 3
remotely operable pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators
Implementation Method 4
A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted adjacent the discs and terminate behind the discs with respect to the direction of travel. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs. A furrow closer is attached to the main frame to close the groove opened by the discs.